"There is a way you could be free of him."
The crystals embedded in the cave walls were providing enough light for the two of them to see each others faces clearly. In a twisted way, the crystal catacombs of Ba Sing Se were beautiful. Zuko and Katara were all alone in the vast cavern, sitting together by a small underground lake.
She had begun to play with the water absent-mindedly—small whirlpools danced and collided before them as she considered Zuko's plan.
"You know it will come to it soon," he murmured, letting his hand trace circles over the soft skin of her leg. "When Azula and I take the city I will have the choice to go home. I want you to come with me."
Katara shook her head, trying not to meet his golden eyes. She could picture the slight eagerness there that would make her willpower crumble. "Aang would never believe I went with you willingly," she sighed heavily, "He would pursue us all the way back to the fire nation—he would lose the war if it meant getting me back."
Her fists were closed tightly, the skin across her knuckles pulled taught with stress. The whirlpools had become larger and more chaotic. Zuko placed his hands over hers and the water stilled. "That is why we have no other option." His voice was confident.
"You're asking me die."
"To pretend," he urged, "only then will the Avatar will give up."
"It would break my brother's heart," Katara whispered.
Zuko grabbed her chin gently and turned it towards him, placing a slow kiss on her forehead. "If we separate again, it would break mine. I need you Katara. Come home with me."
Note: This story runs parallel to season 2 and 3 of the series. It stays true to most of the original plot, though I've woven Katara and Zuko's secret relationship into the gaps. Enjoy!
In the hours it took for Iroh and "Team Avatar" to find the duo, Katara and Zuko resolved to treat them as though it would be their last chance to be together, for after all, their plan was risky and likely to fail.
In the light of the crystal tomb Zuko steadily undressed her, pulling at the fabric of her robe with purpose. His kisses were literally fire on her skin, as if he were trying to leave his mark there. No matter how the next few hours transpired, they would not forget these moments.